Coaching Day

The one and only face-forward interactive thing on my calendar this week, COACHING -- I'm excited.  My guess is this will be more of an introduction call on the specifics of what I want to work on.  The consult call was more general discussions.  I don't expect much "insight" and "improvement" from this first session, but who knows.  Update tomorrow.

I was able to find a good day in the forest of nothing yesterday.  A couple of good catch up conversations, a hard workout, podcasts, etc.  My girlfriend introduced me to the TED talk from Adam Grant so I fell down that rabbit hole for a bit.  Held well on sitting with the afternoon blahs instead of eating through them.  BTW, the Adam Grant talk kind of sums up my afternoon issues.  Worth a 15 minute listen (on high speed).

I tried to get a nail appointment this week, but my technician is on a break.  Next week for the win.  Guess this week is REALLY low interaction.

I also read a bit in Glennon Doyle's Get Untamed, The Journal (the blah zoom call event book).  More reading and thinking than writing.  It takes parts from the book with followup questions.  Since I'm starting coaching today, I didn't need to flood the field with too much stuff.  I don't want it to go unlooked at though.  There are some good questions to ponder.

I found a vegan mushroom soup recipe on IG.  I'll make it today (after a quick run to the market).  Soup sounds nice for dinner.  Once again, I'm bored with dinners and need to make an effort to add variety.  This should work for a couple of nights.

I did a try-on in my closet yesterday.  I have 2 outfits that really are outside my box -- even my Future Self box, but I like them.  I played around with styling so I'll wear them (for the right moment -- they both need a MOMENT).  My rule -- buy it and you MUST be BRAVE enough to wear it.  It's not that I don't like either, it's that I feel self-conscious wearing them.  That's not a good reason.  (I should've taken pictures -- I will when I wear them!)  

One is a wild print (black and white cheetahs) wide legged jumper.  Needs a shirt under and a jacket over. The other is a short, puffy sleeved dress to wear with jean leggings and sneakers.  Both are fun and cute, but VERY trendy outfits.  I had to find a way to calm down the trendy with a little basic to make it feel wearable for me.  That said, I like both a lot.  Fun outfits to go out with girlfriends -- if that ever happens this winter.  I might need to make my own moment.

That's all the scoop from here.  Coaching recap tomorrow.  Have a good day.  Later gators.

Fun Bookclub

Bookclub was just the mix I like -- some talk about the book which led to social issue discussions, fun personal stories from the ladies and some personal sharing (hard kind).  It felt like a connection and that's what I want from the group.

Just 4 of us (until the very end when another person joined).  Easy to talk with zoom instead of Facebook rooms.  Less book questions and more personal discussions -- serious and thoughtful, not "how's the weather" kind of talk.  

I hope this direction continues.  I think meeting in-person helped me a lot to feel like part of the group.  Also, the group size is smaller month-to-month since lives got busier again.  That lends to a deeper conversation too.

Hubby left for NYC for 2 nights -- home for one and then off for a week long golf trip.  As I mentioned, I'm glad for this time ahead of the business of December.  I'm also glad my first coaching call tomorrow is completely private too.  I like to have quiet time ahead of the calls and that isn't guaranteed when he's home.  I'll also want time after the call to sit with what we discuss.  

I made this for hubby last night to trial it for holiday options.  I think I'd use less butter, but it's a good option -- even for serving with a salad for lunch.  Couldn't be easier.  I tried a piece and it was surprisingly tasty.   

Today is a self-care, self-exploration day ahead of the coaching call.  Listening to some stuff, filling out the questions.  Quiet thinking.  No chores set for today.  Actually, only thing on my to-do list for a few days is making the bacon for Christmas (ahead of trash day on Wednesday).  I got everything else finished.  

That said, I need to be mindful.  Having ALL the time to myself AHEAD of feeling busy or feeling too social or feeling stressed, makes me crave a sofa slug day, eating too many sweets, wine at night -- buffering BEFORE -- head in the sand style.  Nope and nope and nope.  I need to practice other ways to fill my cup that actually fill my cup (not leave me feeling like crap for the next few days).  Funny how hard this can feel -- PRACTICE is how to change it.  I'll report back tomorrow.

Let's start this transition week well.  End November on a high note and a welcome December feeling good.  Stay well.  Later gators.

All Finished

All finished decorating AND all finished with my weekend chore list.  I decided to speed up yesterday and get it all done.  Christmas-lite and I like it this year.  It looks festive, but was much easier.  

I love the tree.  It's so much nicer than the ones we had (both bit-the-dust the same year -- lights out, leaning, dropping needles).  The white and multicolored lights look really nice on the back porch.  I'm inspired to do the front next year.

Now for each week planning for food prep in December for the trips to Asheville (girlfriend trip and Christmas).  I need to make the cookies on the early side and that's tricky for me.  Wish I felt confident I wouldn't dive face first into frozen cookies (I love them frozen), but I know me and Christmas cookies.  If I eat too many or too regularly, my energy will be tanked.  Can't afford that this December.  I want to feel the best I can and enjoy all-the-things.  I'll plan them for as late as I can.  This half week of December is MAKE THE BACON.  Freeze ahead and it's the biggest time/mess saver.

Bookclub this afternoon (I say to remind myself).  It's a zoom call and that works so much better now.  Plus, I'm getting to know some of the ladies in-person and that makes it more connected too.

Chose The Gunkle (Steven Rowley) for my next read.  Sarcastic humor with a difficult storyline (mother died and father in rehab).  A couple chapters in and I've already laughed out loud a few times.

I read the coaching questions (printed them to fill out tomorrow).  Thoughtful questions.  I'm ALL IN for ALL THE THINGS during this time.  I'm super curious to explore everything and see if it makes a difference in my life.  Maybe Christmas cookie coaching lol (!!)

I finished burning the new candle I love.  Word of warning -- it burns completely and at the very end it cracked the glass.  I heard it crack -- kind of freaky.  Guess that's why most candles leave a wax layer.  Still, great scent range on this candle -- you know you're burning it.  I have 2 more to use this season.

This week ahead is one of the few times I have to myself in December -- eek.  Lots and lots of time together coming up so I'll take complete advantage of this week.  NOTHING social on my calendar and time to plan for 2022 and reflect 2021.  Good stuff.

Have a great Sunday.  Stay well -- getting yucky out there again.  Later gators.

Boom -- It's Christmas (!!)

We're decorating a week or so early because of our December schedule.  I got as far as outside (wreaths and more lights on the back porch) and the new Christmas tree.  House decor today and tomorrow.

I'm stream-lining even more this year.  No one will be over in December and we'll be in Asheville over Christmas.  A few fun things and that's enough.  I need to decorate Asheville too so I'm taking it a bit easier in GA.  Still festive, but not putting everything out -- sorting stuff to bring to Asheville.

I LOVE the new tree.  It's designed to look more real (less perfect of a cone shape).  The updated mechanics of a pre-lit tree are so much better than 20 years ago (duh).  We also agreed to a new placement and it works so much better.  360 views of the tree, out of the way enough and no furniture moved to our bedroom.  Total win.  I don't know why we didn't do this before (I think we thought it would be too in the way of things).

Minimal ornaments because we aren't
here for Christmas this year.
Vintage star on top -- love it.

Big dent in Christmas shopping online yesterday.  No Black Friday deals per se, but kids gave us some ideas over Thanksgiving.  Have to get on it for shipping in December.  Timed out to shop yesterday.

I need to reload the refrigerator with my food.  Looks like a trek to Trader Joe's today.  That's why I'm spreading decorating over 2 days.  Looking out for my back.

My first coaching call is coming up on Tuesday.  I'm excited and a bit nervous that I'll find it "worth it."  She send a homework set of questions that I'll look at on Monday (once hubby is out of town).  I want quiet time to sit with the questions.  Brooke Castillo's program is ramping up a bit so I'll stick around for at least another month.  Lots of resources on my mental state of being (!!)

I finished The Alchemist.  Very sweet story.  I'm still shocked I didn't know more about this book and haven't read it before now.  New pick coming today.

Bookclub tomorrow.  I'm primed to forget so I need to set a phone reminder.  The days are very confusing this week.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend.  Later gators.

TG 2021 in the Books

What a great Thanksgiving (!!)

FINALLY, Thanksgiving as it's intended (i.e. I'm not cooking everything).  It was so much fun to share the cooking -- taste what everyone else made, community effort.  I loved every minute.

Trazadone kept my pups calm and they had a great time with 5 dogs total.

The food was super delicious.  My gluten indulgence was dessert and worth every bite.  I had a Cosmo (couldn't finish it though -- too strong since I don't drink often anymore) and a couple of glasses of red wine (my favorite).  Knock wood, I feel fine this morning from wine and gluten.  The trick is to eat well today and my joints/energy should hold up.  Also, I'm not spent from cooking AND I don't have any leftovers tempting me.  (I made a second batch of stuffing for hubby, but gluten and I don't like sausage stuffing so that doesn't tempt me at all.)

Here are a few pictures (out of order).  I didn't end up in any (that I took).  I wore the burnt orange dress I wore to the winery with black tights.  Festive, comfortable and now it's retired for the season.  It's like a summer dress in a fall color (perfect for the south) but not heavy enough to take it through winter.

Dogs heading for one of many walks.

Delicious!  Over temperature (oops),
but organic is so forgiving.

Power tools.
Dad passing the torch. Hah!

Goofing off.
Preparing to surgically
carve the bird.

PIES (!!)
Apple, pecan and dairy-free whip.

First to the table with my plate.

The kids did a fabulous job of hosting their first Thanksgiving.  The house is designed to hold a crowd and once they have all their furniture it'll be even more comfortable, but we managed well.  It feels like such a warm home.

I think our new chapter of holidays is exciting.  I'm ready to change things up, start new traditions and enjoy an extended family group.

Hope yours was all-things-good too.  Later gators.

Happy Thanksgiving

My good sleep streak ended because hubby snored so much and so loudly it came into my dream - haha, but not haha.  Up since 2:30 -- falling back into that almost sleep several times to have him give a HUGE snore burst.

Ugh.

That said, I'm going to rally to have a great time today.  Only "work" left is the mac & cheese and sausage stuffing.  All prepped, both should take less than an hour to pull together.

My son made my family's apple pie recipe and added a little oven fire from the drippings yesterday -- oops.  We all Face Timed for the turkey prep from a favorite go-to technique (food network years ago).  That was fun -- included, but far, far away from a raw bird (!!)  It's not Thanksgiving without a cooking story.

Made it to the dump yesterday.  We had to go to the real-deal dump though and it was kind of scary (!!)  No flat tire from DRIVING into the dump area and the chair is gone.  I hope big trash pickup resumes from home service at some point soon (if we need it).  Eye opening at the level of waste.  I need to do better individually.

I haven't figured out my outfit for today.  Dressing as Future Me helps me act the part and show up how I want to show up.  I want to be a little dressy, but it's going to be WARM in the kids' house.  Oven, crowd of people/dogs and big sunny windows.  Most of my choices are long sleeved and might be too uncomfortable.  I didn't end up trying anything on yesterday.  Game day decision and a little rushed this morning.

On a Christmas note ... the wreaths I ordered for the front doors are too small.  Guess this company measures from leaf span, not wreath size.  I'm taking 2 to Asheville, but had an extra so I "decorated" my office.  I'll get new wreaths for GA next year when the choice I want is back in stock.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with good things.  I'm thankful and excited for some new traditions today.  Later gators.

Thanksgiving Wednesday

For me -- usually a FULL kitchen day.  This year?  Just a little bit of prep.

I had another kick-butt day yesterday.  I'm not sure where this energy is coming from, but I'll take it after a month of forcing myself to do anything.

We hung the vintage-inspired Paris map picture and I love it.  Just what the wall needed.  It was actually easy to hang.  Pottery Barn does a nice job with things-that-hang (pictures, mirrors, curtain rods).

The grocery store wasn't crowded and that was unexpectedly nice.

I  made a new cranberry sauce recipe -- the one that's going around from Ina Garten.  I didn't put in all the sugar and used a honeycrisp apple instead of a granny smith.  It's WAY sweeter than I'm used to (I like a tart sauce), but I like the flavor a lot.  This is a keeper, but I'll add even less sugar next time (calls for 1 1/4 cup -- I used a scant one cup).  I also blended it smooth in the Vitamix.  Saves the straining and I like smooth rather than chunky.

I made MORE honeycrisp apple sauce.  I love honeycrisp season.

Then I tried stuffed mushrooms from Down Shift Technology and they were delicious.  It's a trial run for a Christmas Eve munchie.  Total winner and very easy.

And I went back into town to get more candles.  The brand is Thymes.  They are great, but only the pine scent available at the store.  

Outside run was a no-go so I did a treadmill run.  It was good, but leaves my back tired.  Peloton today.

Up early for the cleaning crew this morning.  I prepped messy things yesterday so hopefully I can keep the kitchen clean-ish after cooking this week.  Today's prep is chopping and grating cheese.  Easy.  I canceled my nail appointment and good thing, I sliced off half my pointer finger nail rushing on the mushrooms last evening.  It's just the nail, not into skin, but it's sensitive and is going to take awhile to grow back.

Hubby and I are heading to the dump for a morning date lol.  We are getting rid of the broken movie chair and a large box.  Trying to get things organized ahead of Christmas decorating and all the things in December.

Good luck in the kitchen today!  Later gators.

Done and Dusted

I worked my pretty little butt off yesterday and I'M FINISHED with the renewal credits for my RN license.  Oh, this feels so good to have it off my plate.  Instead of slow and steady, I decided to plow through and get it off my plate.  It takes a couple of days for the credits to register and then I'll do the quick online renewal (basically paying money).  Phew.  Done and dusted.  

I was seeing stars after being on the computer all day.  I don't know how people do it.  And, that pretty little butt??  Man, my butt cheeks were sore from sitting all day.

Now the switch to Thanksgiving.

I want to outside run this week  -- couldn't yesterday because of an early electrician appointment.  The rest of the week is too cold for my feet -- anything under 45 degrees activates my circulation issue.  Should I bag the outside run and do a treadmill run?  Should I grocery shop early and run later?  Running "later" is dangerous because I'm libel to talk myself out of a workout.  I need to think about this.  I want to get a 5 mile run in before the end of the year.  This is getting tricky.  The afternoons are warm, but the mornings are below freezing for now.

Hubby brought the advent calendar home from Asheville filled with local chocolate.  I was under the impression it was made locally -- apparently, it's only sold locally.  But I love it.  2 chocolates in each door so perfect for us.  Of course, you can stuff it with anything, but I like the idea of getting the candy holiday refills from the local chocolatier.  That also stops me from eating extra days and refilling lol.  It's too tall from my kitchen counters and placement is tricky because it can't be within dog reach.  I'm definitely getting excited to get Christmas prep underway.

I reached VIP status at The Life Coaching School (6 months of membership) so that unlocked a bunch of life coaching calls from Brooke.  They're good so far.

I started the The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) last night.  I've never read it.  Heard of it, but had it confused with another book.  Short little fable.  Good feel-good for Thanksgiving week.

Have a good day and stay well.  Later gators.

Kicked A$$ on a Sunday

Man-oh-man, I had a productive day yesterday.  Not sure where the burst of energy came from, but I'll take it.

Spent the morning giving quick clean ups to closets and drawers.  Threw some stuff out, organized and wiped down the grunge.  Didn't plan on that, but when I went looking for a box to mail my bestie's Christmas gifts, I started down a clean out path with the first closet.  The rest was history.

Paid bills.  Watered plants and it was "shower" day for the leaves.

Did a big chunk of CE credits for my RN renewal.  Monti joined me all afternoon.

Finished Great Circle.  It wasn't horrible, but the story didn't hold for 600 pages worth -- just wasn't exciting enough.  The book was well written and I liked how the chapters moved around with headers to let you know the timeline.  The ending had a twist, but it wasn't THAT exciting of a twist.  Picking a new book today.

All the usual stuff too.  Spanish, workout, dog walk.

What didn't I do yesterday (hah)?

Now for Monday.  Electrician is coming this morning to fix the breaker.  Hubby is back home this afternoon.  After my morning stuff, it's CE credits for as long as I can muster.  Might be tricky depending on the timing of people today.

Short and sweet this morning.  Guess I'm all complained out ;)

Thanksgiving week.  Hard to believe.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Getting to Work

I dropped all the Thanksgiving things off to the kids yesterday -- glad to have that finished.  

Made a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home for some random things.  I was out of baking soda of all things (!!)  Grabbed some honeycrisp apples to make apple sauce (again).  I only make apple sauce when the honeycrisp are in season.  They don't need sugar -- cook down with water, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.  Blend until it's as smooth as you want.  This time I left it a little chunky.  Good stuff.

I'll do the Thanksgiving shopping on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.  No rush.  All basic stuff for cranberry sauce, mac & cheese and stuffing. 

Last evening I renewed the CE credit courses so I can do the 30 hours I need to renew my license.  Time to get to work today and start.  Once I start, I get going ... but that first one takes some motivation.  My license expires at the end of January and I usual wait until after the holidays to do it.  This year I want to get it off my plate early.

I also have to wrap a Christmas box for my bestie.  We still exchange Christmas stuff and I'm going to tell her this is our last year (I'll wait until next year to say something).  Her birthday is the end of September and to turn around and gift again for Christmas is hard.  We have different tastes now and I think both of us end up donating half the gifts.  She likes lots of little things so that's what we do.  I prefer one bigger gift -- but that's NOT what we do.  (Quality vs quantity thing.)  Time for me to speak up.  Frankly, I get a lot of little bits of junk that go straight to donation. I'm mailing her box early because I got a dog advent calendar so she needs to have that by December.

I'm noticing how often I take second fiddle or bend to what other people want.  I want one gift in our Christmas box so she should send me one larger gift.  She wants lots of little things so I should do that (which is what we do).  I suggested that Christmas be one bigger gift and she said no because she likes to open lots of little things.  Why did I agree to that?  Why is Christmas HER decision only?  Why doesn't she give me what I want (she said she also likes to shop for lots of little things -- good lord)?

I'm on a bit of a rant lately standing up for myself.  It feels a little bitchy because I've spoken up about how I feel and it's ignored (not just her) so now things are becoming a hard boundary.  

I'm also not completely over the birthday trip saga from this week (I thought I was).  I held the boundary about not rescheduling the trip (too much work, low commitment on her end) and she was EASILY able to reschedule her routine colonoscopy.  What the what?!?!  Why wasn't that the starting point?  Why was she going to put me through hoops?  And, after all the back and forth, never an apology.  The trip is still a big effort on my part given what's changed for my December plans.  My desire to make this birthday trip special is struggling hard.  Might need to take this to coaching.

Wow, this turned into another intense venting session.  I'm fired up this week -- more fired up with myself than anyone else.  Why do I accept this kind of stuff?  Do people only like me because I let them have their way?  Guess I'm going to find out. 

On that note, time to get today moving -- lots to do.  It's a stay-at-home work day to get some chores off my plate for the coming week.  Hope you have a good Sunday.  Later gators.

Full Moon

I missed the eclipse (didn't know to look for it) but I noticed the pretty full moon.  

Seems fitting for a full moon to tell you about my crazy mix up.  Hubby went a day early to Asheville for home delivery of a big Paris map.  I thought it was getting mailed (like the mirror I ordered AT THE SAME TIME), but it's too big and got set up for home delivery.  When I scheduled it, I was surprised to see weekend delivery since Asheville only delivers mid-week (from PB).  Nice.  Delivery crew texted to say they were coming at 8 o'clock -- perfect.

8 o'clock comes.  MY doorbell rings and at that very moment I knew.  It was coming HERE.  Ugh.  And I was in my little slinky nightie (because I was warm) and had to walk right by the glass door to grab clothes.  

I should've realized my mistake sooner -- all signs pointed to it, yet it never occurred to me until that VERY moment.  Usually my doorbell is just an Amazon package, but that's when my brain connected the dots.

Turns out it's a happy mixup because I like it for over our bed here.  We have a big, plain wall that you see when you walk by the room.  I could never find something for over the bed.  This proportion works -- the picture is LARGE.  So large, that bringing it to Asheville would've been very tricky (and maybe not possible).

Hubby will hang it next week.

I took a picture of the lights on our porch -- finally put them up.  We couldn't do them at the top because of the shades.  I'll keep these up all year.

Speaking of lights -- I have the multicolored lights for the front ready to go.  Either on the porch or on the bushes in the front.  I'll wait until hubby is home and we can test options at dusk.  I also ordered new Christmas wreaths.  The ones I have aren't true red and it never popped from the street view.  I'll take those to Asheville and, hopefully the ones I ordered will be brighter.  The ones I really wanted were on backorder until next year.  I forgot I wanted to change them and waited too long.

The Peloton 400 ride was fun.  I didn't do a live ride, but I did a current on-demand.  That means LOTS of high-fives from peeps riding along.  Funny enough, it feels good.

I finished The Undoing.  I think I read the book it's based on a long time ago.  So good!

I also made the chicken with gravy recipe from Nom Nom Paleo to use the gravy for Thanksgiving.  All set.  Chicken is picked off the bones and I'll freeze it today for hubby next week.  Glad to have that finished.  It's super easy, but makes a terrific mess.

I spent time thinking about the zoom event and why I was disappointed (upset).  I did it ONLY for the connection with a friend and that was the mistake -- she didn't hold her commitment.  I can't change her and it's not her responsibility to give me that connection.  The litmus test for going forward is -- do I want to do this independently of anyone else?  If the answer is yes, then connection is a bonus.  If the answer is no, I shouldn't do it.  I can find connection other ways.  

Maybe I get a little desperate for connection these days -- or, at the least, I'm trying too hard to force something.  It's not just the pandemic.  I was in a letting-go phase before the pandemic, but last year sped things up.  So much letting-go leaves me feeling a connection scarcity at times.  That's why I jumped on doing this zoom event that I wouldn't have normally been interested in doing and that's why it feels so disappointing.  (And it doesn't help that the actual event was basically a flop too.)

It's ironic that instead of feeling a connection with her, I feel bitter toward her.  I worked some Brooke Castillo models on what happened and it makes sense.  Good news is I'm over it.  I can see why this is on me (being curious, not judgmental) and I'll make decisions going forward in a different mindset.

Today I'm running Thanksgiving stuff to the kids (turkey, roasting pan, serving stuff, instant read thermometer) and the wine.  It'll be good to get that stuff over there ahead of time and that leaves only a few things to bring on Thursday.

I'm getting excited to decorate for Christmas.  December is a FULL month for me -- this week is the calm before the storm.  First up is the PLANNING.  My lists need lists and that calms me.  Next up, CHRISTMAS MUSIC.  I added the stations to my car and I'm ready for next week.  We'll decorate the weekend of Thanksgiving which is a week early per our usual.  I'm pairing down again and need to grab some stuff for Asheville so I wanted to get on it.

Fun, hectic times.

Anyway, other long chat -- best get my day going.  Have a fun day.  Later gators.

Feelings Hangover

The feelings hangover was big yesterday.  

In addition to the trip "drama" (which is back on in its original plan), hubby decided THAT night was time for a discussion.  He wanted permission to buy another big ticket watch and that lead into a marriage kind of talk.  All good.  No tears.  No snark.  But it was a clear-the-air kind of talk and was a lot of heavy, vulnerable sharing.

And our electric box is having trouble.  (Update: Electrician coming Monday).

And our fireplace isn't working.  (Update: Probably receiver batteries -- we changed the remote already).

That day was a lot and I was drained yesterday.  I snacked my way through the evening last night.  Still practicing doing something different.  I'm improving, but not where I want to be.

Anyway ...

Last night was the Glennon Doyle zoom call for her new workbook adjunct for Untamed.  The ticket included the live call, workbook guaranteed earlier in the week from a small, black owned business so you could see it, start it or whatever.  By yesterday, I had neither the link or the book.  Turns out (not surprisingly) the volume overwhelmed stores.  A link was resent, but most people didn't have the book.  I think they should've postponed.  

The call was just okay.  One hour became 90 minutes.  Nothing specific.  They didn't even show the workbook.  Maybe because so many people didn't get it in time?  Not worth staying up.  I'm looking forward to getting the workbook though.  Untamed was excellent.

The friend (same one with trip stuff) who suggested I do the event ended up not watching it live because she did a family birthday dinner for her daughter.  She invited me to watch it with her but I'm glad I said no since it was later in the evening -- she would've canceled.  So there wasn't that sharing component either -- we were going to view it together, but in our own homes.  I bet she doesn't watch it.  (Do I sound bitter? Yep.)  Kind of a waste of time and some money.  It was $30 (I think) and included the book.  I would've just bought the book and missed nothing.  The live zoom is becoming a podcast episode.  And the connection with my friend flopped too (which was the reason I bought the ticket).

On some less bitter notes ... I started watching The Undoing on HBO Max per suggestion of another girlfriend.  OMG -- it's so good (!!)  I'll finish the season today.  6 episodes, I think.  Not scary, but SO SUSPENSEFUL and TWISTY. 

I'm reading Great Circle (Maggie Shipstead) and, while the writing is nice, every female character is being taken advantage of sexually and that's getting to be too much.  600 pages and I'm at 200.  I'm planning to finish it, but I hope it moves forward with a difference focus soon.

Today has a to-do list, but I might rework some things since I need more recovery today.  Dogs to the park maybe?  Less chores and more me focused.  I have lots of time over the weekend to get things done.  This might be a what-do-I-want-to-do kind of day -- things that ground me.  Workout, outside time, longer meditation, journalling work.  AND things that are fun too.  

I'll hit 400 rides on the Peloton today.  I looked for a live class to get another shoutout, but nothing fit -- not worth forcing.  It's fun to get a shoutout, but not that fun lol.

Another long chat -- best to wrap it up.  Have a happy Friday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Ahh, 50-50 (Long Post)

Well, my "up" on Tuesday night came tumbling down on Wednesday -- sort of.  

Sort of because otherwise I had a great day.  

Ran outside for the first time in a bit.  Kept my promise.  The run and kept promise felt great.

Caught up with a good friend on the drive downtown to get my ring.  Smooth trip -- glad to have my rings back together on my finger ;)  Stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home to stock up for the week and get some fresh flowers.  That was a win in convenience. 

Wore a "look" of the season (so "they" say) -- stripped t-shirt, button-fly jeans and a blazer so feeling good with a little spring to my step.

Caught up with my eldest who got good news at work, new table delivered and is feeling better from the cold (they tested negative for COVID).

Music was spot on in the car too.  You know how sometimes it's one great song after another (and sometimes the opposite) -- didn't even switch to a podcast.  Sound up, singing, be-bopping.  Nice drive.

See -- great day.

Then a text from my girlfriend to cancel our trip in Asheville to celebrate her 60th -- because she wants to get her colonoscopy in before the end of the year because of the deductible.  She had some belly pain and a CT scan and wants to followup with a colonoscopy to ease her mind.  There's no rush, but she wants to save money.

This via TEXT.  With NO APOLOGY.  Just "it's crappy news."  She did acknowledge that I had put effort into planning it though.

The thing is, I went to a lot of trouble to make this trip happen.  Hubby had to schedule around the trip which was an issue because something came up at work (created a headache for both of us).  I made arrangements -- thought out, researched for fun things to do outside and/or safely, switched up my schedule to get things setup for our trip (since hubby added his Asheville trip this weekend).  AND, I was super excited for the trip.

She suggested the "slow" time in late January.  I said no.  That was my big effort.  I can't ask hubby to do this again and his travel is heavy in January.  I told her we'll try again in the spring and do something local for her birthday.  Her commitment to our plans doesn't EVER match mine if anything at all changes.

Big feelings for this -- trying to sit with them and then get over it.  Her choice.

Here's what I'm feeling ...

Disappointment -- big time.  I was looking forward to girlfriend time and celebrating her.

Hurt -- back to the commitment thing.  Makes me feel like I don't matter much.  

Frustrated -- I did a lot of planning and maneuvering for this trip.

Guilt -- This particular effort has expired because I don't trust it won't happen again and it can't happen without another block of big effort, planning and coordinating on my end.  Does this make me a bad friend?

Annoyed -- I feel like I have two choices, neither feel good.  Hold my boundary and be done with this offer (having my back) or try again feeling resentful and worry she'll cancel again.

These days I know that answer is to have my own back.  It has to be.  Model my behavior TO MYSELF first.  Remind myself I'll always be there for me.  Even if that means this fun trip doesn't happen.  Disappointment that it fell through lasts a couple of beats -- disappointment that I didn't stand up for myself runs deep and long.

Two things can exist together and that's what I'm trying to remember.  I had a very good day AND I had something that brought a lot of negative feelings.

UPDATE:

I wrote the above last night because I was upset and wanted to write it out.

But things changed ... she texted me a few times last night after my response of making the celebration a local one (outdoor afternoon at a winery maybe) because January didn't work.  First with suggestions of shifting the trip by a day (works fine) or going the week earlier (also works fine).  Finally, with a text that she would try to shift the colonoscopy to January since it was no rush.

See?  If she had called, we could've talked about it and figured something out.  Also, I had a feeling there were ways to problem solve this -- or at least try (both the trip AND the colonoscopy).  The initial text and cancelation was dismissive with no room for discussion.

I'm VERY glad I chose my own back.  Flexibility, effort, commitment works both ways.  Maybe this works out, maybe it doesn't but we TRIED to make it happen.  

Any option for December is STILL a lot of work because of hubby's travel and all the things to get this together.  We reworked the calendar last night -- now it's on hold waiting for her to decide and we'll rework it again.  I'm being flexible and I'm putting in an effort and I'm holding my commitment even though things changed on my end.  I'm doing all this AND having my own back.

This stuff is hard -- so many feelings.  Ups and downs.  I keep practicing feeling things instead of buffering.  I'll need to navigate that today too.  It's like I have a "feelings" hangover.   But that discussion is for another day -- this has been a LONG post.

Have a good day.  Later gators.

Jen Hatmaker and the Legacy Collective

Last night was a fundraiser for The Legacy Collective (a brainchild of Jen Hatmaker) that gives grants to small organizations doing big work with sustainable results.  Check it out  -- worthy cause.

But, let's talk the "good" stuff.  

I showed up as I wanted -- Future Self in full focus.  Took a page from coaching and made a list of questions to answer out-loud about my intentions for the evening.  How will I dress?  How will I stand?  What am I excited about?  How will I feel?  What will I remember?  Why am I going?  Etc.  15 in all.  And it worked to remind me to show up.  I can get all up in my head and nerves when I walk in the room and I go to shit.  Taking the time to center on those questions before I left gave my brain something to focus on instead of crappy thoughts.

I got there a bit early, but the golf carts were already in action.  I got to chat with Jen Hatmaker, her mom, BT Harman and his husband before the room filled.  Lots of time with the guests of honor throughout the evening.

Facetime with bookclub peeps too and that was great.  The host for the evening is in the club and there were 3 others who came.  

The drive was WOW.  Backroads and 10,000 turns, but all is fine.  Weather couldn't have been more perfect.  A little chill, clear skies.  The house has massive walls that open to air.  I spent most of my time outside.  Dinner was in the cleanest (and freshly painted) 5 car garage with some of the doors open so fresh air.  I decided no mask because of the open air.

Dinner was perfect.  Spinach salad, roasted asparagus and mushrooms and beef wellington.  There was chicken & creamy pasta, scalloped potatoes, rolls and a dessert platter too -- passed on these because of gluten and heavy dairy.  Two drink tickets which I ended up giving to Jen Hatmaker ('cause we're those kind of friends now).

My outfit.  Dress is from The Loft, belt is Anthropology and faux suede jacket from Nordstroms.

Dinner.  Jen Hatmaker sat at our table next to us.

Jen Hatmaker and our bookclub peeps.

My new thing (which I'm ditching) is to try not to smile BIG and strange, but the smirk smile makes me look odd (less happy).  Need to work on that.  Me and pictures aren't in sync but I'm determined to find "my expression" for posed pictures.

Overall, A+ of an evening.  Checked all the boxes.  Out of my comfort zone, choosing the bigger life, great people, interesting conversations, food, fresh air, good choices, fun outfit.  Future self came to play.

Have a great day.  Later gators.

So Far, So Good

This week started well.  Yesterday was the FIRST day (in over a year) that this girlfriend didn't cancel or change the time.  Good conversation.  The weather warmed nicely and it all felt extra good for some reason.

I ran a couple of errands and home for an early (as usual) PJ time in my new Christmas flannels from The Loft.  They're lightweight and oversized.  I got the large and they shrunk just a bit in the dryer.  Maybe a medium would fit better, but I'm fine with baggy.  I wanted something for Christmas in Asheville that had good coverage to be around everyone.  Too warm to sleep in, but they are great for lounging.

This morning because I forgot to take
a picture yesterday. 

Spent the late afternoon chatting with another bestie (college roommate) and that was another good conversation.  Yesterday's theme was definitely connection and I'm focusing on that for the week.

Since I am was a bit nervous for tonight, I decided to message the host and ask the questions that were making me feel uncertain.  All set now.  I have my outfit picked out for a mostly outdoor evening, mask for inside and, if I get parked-in, more time with Jen Hatmaker lol.  I'm not sure I'll get a picture with Jen since it's night and dark outside, but I'll take other pictures.

I have no idea what food is being served, but I'm planning to eat something to tide me over incase it's stuff that I can't eat -- pasta, cream, etc.  Since there was nothing specified about the food, I'm hoping for a range that covers all the usual suspects of food issues and then I'll be fine.  I'm not going for the food so that doesn't concern me.  

My neck is still improving.  I started taking some 60 minute Peloton classes gearing up for a 5 mile run goal on the 21 for 2021 list.  I need to build a bit of endurance, but I can't run frequently enough to do that this late in the game.  The 5 mile run is a one-and-done so a bit of extra cardio should work fine for a solo run.  I planned on this for Thanksgiving week, but given the neck issue, I might need to push it back to December.  I still have another week to see how it feels.  Running arm position bothers it a lot.

I have a draft list of the 22 for 2022 list -- coming soon in December or January.  Also a recap of 21 for 2021 -- the good, bad, finished and unfinished.  The end of the year is approaching at lightening speed.

I'm still "decorated" for Thanksgiving.  Early Christmas decorating doesn't interest me because I think I'd get bored with the Christmas stuff up too long.  Take each holiday for what it is and patience for the feel-goods of Christmas.  A few years ago, I started Christmas music in early November and was sick of it by Christmas week.  Learned that lesson.

That said, I started burning a pine candle I got while shopping with my aunt.  It's so good -- burns well and the scent is amazing.  So good in fact, that I want to go back and get some other candles.  I have a bunch of cheap candles that only scent the space AT the candle.  This smells up a couple of rooms.   I'll pay attention to the brand this time.

Here's the candle AND the next book I'm reading.  It's long and I've had it too long on my shelf.  Time to get it read.  I'm only about 100 pages in and it's good so far.  Epic sweeping novel that jumps present to early 1900s.

Fingers crossed for an interesting and fun night tonight.  This feels like a gathering-with-intention.  Taking a page from Priya Parker's book, The Art of Gathering.  Stay well (me too tonight).  Later gators.

Let's Start the Week

List time:

(1)  Birthday celebration was super low key.  Youngest's gf didn't come because of a cell phone/family situation.  Long story, but it was just the birthday boy.  We hung out, watched football and chatted.  It was nice to spend the afternoon with him.

(2)  Since we weren't having a party, I decided to forego the GF pizza and I didn't have the banana pudding either.  Feeling better feels like a strong priority right now and that starts with eating.  I left it open to have what I wanted and I didn't want it -- that's a good feeling.  Especially given my choices lately.

(3)  Today is a planned coffee date with my girlfriend who is notorious for changing-canceling-postponing plans.  I think it's a 50/50 shot of it happening.  She had a big weekend and it's colder today -- already two strikes.

(4)  Tomorrow is the fundraiser dinner with Jen Hatmaker.  Of course, I'm nervous.  COVID nervous.  Driving nervous (at the lake and the street are DARK and narrow).  Logistic nervous (where are people parking, will I get parked in).  What to wear (I don't want to be hot/cold).  What purse to bring (small bag or big security purse with all my "things").  But, I'm going.  Choose the bigger life.  Don't chicken out because of worry.  I want to ENJOY the evening too -- not just "survive" my nerves and that will take an effort.  I'm trying.

This is the one and only time I "met" Jen Hatmaker.  Podcast event in ATL, VIP ticket and went by myself.  It was such a great time.

(5)  My ring and earrings are ready for pickup downtown.  I'm going on Wednesday.  

(6)  Thursday is a hair appointment in the morning and a zoom event with Glennon Doyle in the evening.

It's a week with lots of potential and I need to slow down and notice fun and enjoy myself.  Hubby is on a business trip overnight today and leaves for Asheville on Thursday for the weekend with his bestie.  Lots of time to myself this weekend.  Thoughts on this later -- Thanksgiving prep AND CE credits to renew my RN license.

Oh, I finished The Best of Me (David Sedaris) and I liked it.  Once I learned it was satire and not comedy, it all made sense.  Each chapter is a story (from his previous books) -- some were home runs and others were okay.  Overall, I'm glad I read it and got introduced to something new (to me).  I wanted to finish it before the event tomorrow.

Hope you have a happy Monday.  Stay well.  Later gators.

A Few Changes

My eldest and his wife have colds so they are staying home today.  No passing anything around (!!)  It'll just be us and the birthday boy and his girlfriend.

No sushi because all the places are closed on Sunday -- staffing is a big issue.  Hitting up pizza, garlic knots and meatballs from a local place.  I'll get GF pizza.

The banana pudding turned out well after an urgent trip to the market because I didn't read the recipe the entire way -- ugh.  I didn't make the Slush Cake which is an extra good decision given it's just 4 of us for football, birthday and food.

It's a bit awkward not having the entire group today.  The youngest's girlfriend is a bit uncomfortable (or uninterested) around hubby and me.  She enjoys a younger crowd, I guess.  It's not horrible, but it's a one way conversation.  Me asking her questions.  Her answering and the conversation ends.  Maybe things will loosen up the more we see each other.  She seems relaxed and happy when everyone is around though.  I'll keep trying and (thanks to life coaching) I don't take it personally.  I don't say this often, but thankful for the distraction of a football game.

And, while I don't take her disinterest personally, I will be looking for a thank you for a birthday gift I gave her 2 weeks ago (a dutch oven she wanted).  Nice gift.  No thank you (he thanked me a few times on her behalf).  Hmmmmm. 

That said, she's great with my son, makes him happy, smart, bold -- lots of things to like.  

The upright freezer got delivered yesterday.  It's a tight squeeze to fit it in my car.  This is going to change plans getting to Asheville before Christmas.  I need to rework some things, but it's totally worth it.  This will solve my freezer issue provided the electric can handle it (if not, time for electrician).

Best get moving.  Have a good Sunday.  Later gators.

Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

It's a TMI-ALL-CLEAR day.

I dumped one of the books -- One of Us is Lying.  Too YA I guess.  It should've been a super easy read, but I couldn't get into it (even though I was almost halfway).  It jumps characters constantly (guess for suspense) but there was too much corny or boring fluff to hold onto the mystery.  I didn't even bother or care to look at the end to figure out what happened.  I usually enjoy YA but the writing didn't hold me on this one.  I can't remember where I got this recommendation. 

New pick is The Great Circle (Maggie Shipstead).  Very long, but good reviews.  It's already more engaging with some good writing.  I guess the comparison makes it notable.  

My next-door neighbor brought over some apple cake for hubby and me.  She hosted bookclub and had cake leftover.  That was so sweet.  I need to do little things like this too because it was a bright spot that made my day.  I didn't eat it because of the gluten, but it smelled amazing and hubby loved it.

I'm making banana pudding for my youngest's birthday celebration tomorrow (HBD to him today -- #25).  It uses the Chessman Cookies so not GF.  I got enough stuff to make slush cake too -- one of my favorite things.  Shush cake (as my Gram called it) is layered nut crust, cream cheese whipped layer, chocolate pudding layer, cool whip layer.  It goes by different names, but it's all the same.  I can make that GF and almost dairy free.  But should I??  Decisions.  Decisions.  Last thing I NEED is to eat slush cake for days. Maybe I'll hold off and make it in early December.  

Remember when I said I had a dinner plan to stop snacking at night instead of eating a meal?  Well, that didn't work (hah).  Still "trying."  I know this adds to my funk and the funk makes me want to snack and the circle is complete.  JUST BREAK THE CIRCLE.  Ugh.  

My life coaching starts at the end of November and I want to be ready to move forward -- not just get back to a baseline.  Maybe that's not going to happen.  I'm also nervous about whether she's skilled enough to be worth the price tag.  Her IG has a lot of super basic things and that worries me a bit -- although, she's not actually coaching on IG, more introducing herself so fingers crossed.

I scored an organic turkey at Trader Joe's (last one in this shipment).  They are partial frozen for transport home -- I asked because I thought they were fresh, but it felt frozen.  It's some technique they use (so they say).  This 15 lb turkey is earmarked for the Big Day so NO TURKEY MAKING for me this year.  Decision was easy since only one left.

I've dreamed of this day -- only one major holiday cooking and, yet I was planning to make a turkey too.  Glad I rethought that -- at least for this year to see what that feels like.  Christmas in Asheville will be extra work so I can focus my energy for December.

As I said, I'm not totally off the hook for Thanksgiving, but way more manageable.  I made The List and have started picking up things as I see them.  So far, nothing in short supply.

I ended up running on the treadmill yesterday -- long story, but outside wasn't a great option.  I didn't love it.  It was nice to run with music, but outside energizes in a way the treadmill just doesn't.  It was still a good workout and I'm sore today since I haven't run in an extended bit.  Arms and a long OUTSIDE walk today.  My nerve pain is still a problem with everything -- bike, running, but oddly arms day doesn't bother it much.  It's so positional. 

I'm feel all the old aches and pains this morning.  Stiff from the run.  I slammed my finger in a cupboard.  My neck hurts.  My stomach is wonky.  51 years feels old today.  

On that happy note, I'll get my morning started.  Have a great Saturday.  Later gators.

Super Duper TMI Post

This one's extra personal, but I wanted to journal a bit about it.

Ashwagandha

Here's a backstory.  I follow Tabatha Brown on IG and she did a story about coming home from a long trip and having a date night with her hubby.  She said she was taking Ashwagandha for a "little extra" in the bedroom.  

I haven't been overly in-the-mood this past year and I was curious about it.  I googled, chatted with a couple of friends (some of whom have used it for "sleep") and I thought I'd give it a go -- for the BETTER SLEEP component.  There are a bunch of benefit claims.  Funny enough, I didn't ask my friends about the bedroom thing -- maybe I should?!?

I mentioned the other day, my sleep is better.  Better dreams, no long wakeup time during the night.  It doesn't make me sleepy, but it seems to make my sleep deeper.

AND, it's doing something else.  At least, I'm giving it credit for doing something else.

My libido is absolutely ramping up.  I didn't even realize how low it had gone until it started coming back. 

Here's the EXTRA TMI.  Read at your own risk lol.

*  Sexy stories on TV or books give a little hmmm again.

*  A cute guy on a cooking show gave me a pause.

*  Little imagination fantasies are back (see above).

*  A kiss or hug with hubby gives a little tingle.

*  Orgasms are back to where they were (it wasn't the same for a long time).  Longer, more intense.

*  I'm in-the-mood with more frequency.

*  My body is physically responding to mental (imagination) stimulus again.

This COULD be a hormone shift -- since it does that on-off thing.  But I haven't had it "on" in over a year and not with this consistency.  I don't know if it'll last.  Don't know if it's the ashwagandha and if it is, does the initial effect wear off (i.e. build a tolerance)??

For now, I'll take it.  As I said, I didn't even notice how much my libido had disappeared until it came back.

We (I) don't talk about things like this and I'm happy Tabitha Brown mentioned it (she also had a discount code for a product so there's that angle but lots of options on the market).

If things change back, I'll update.  I hope not (!!)  Otherwise, that's the end of my personal TMI and PSA on this subject ;)

Later gators.

Veterans Day

Good morning ... here's another list.

(1)  I thought hubby came home today -- it was yesterday (!!)  Thankfully, he texted me or I'd had one hell of a nighttime scare.

(2)  In cleaning my pantry last week, I noticed the molasses I bought last year to make ginger snaps and never got around to it because I forgot to buy ground cloves and couldn't find them last minute.  I found them at Target yesterday so I made a half batch GF to try.

Timer went off on the last batch of cookies, but they needed a minute longer.  Phone rang, I forgot.  Carbon cookies with a house filled with smoke.  It STILL smells a bit this morning.  It's hard to air out the house with dogs.  

Dang, my brain.  P.S.  Cookies are good (and spicy).  I froze them for the holidays, but they probably won't last lol.

(3)  Apple "ladies" to the rescue again.  It always a woman and I love that -- one tech explained the men don't have patience for the phone support.  Turns out I haven't bookmarked ANYTHING.  Instead I'm using the Reading List.  Now it doesn't automatically populate so I need to click it on.  Phew.  

Bad news thought -- my computer is so old, it's not going to be able to update again.  I knew this was coming.  I want another Mac for the service alone, but it's expensive.  I need to decide soon.  My phone is also outdated and is having troubles.  

Laptop AND phone in the same moment feels like a lot.

(4)  I don't love either book I'm reading.  I need to sh*$ or get off the pot on them because it's clogging the reading works.  I'll decide by the end of the weekend.  I need to put in a little bit of time to figure out if it's them or me (!!)

(5)  I'm still in decision mode, but something occurred to me yesterday.  I DON'T HAVE TO MAKE A TURKEY THIS YEAR.  I can't remember when I didn't make Thanksgiving dinner and this year we are GUESTS (!!)  I planned to make one so I could make turkey soup after, but I also don't have to.  What?!?!?  Mind blown.  Maybe I should put my energy into Christmas prep instead.

As I said, still deciding ... but this takes ALL THE PRESSURE OFF.

And I need pressure off.  I'm STILL in a funk and trying to pull out of it is proving a challenge right now.  Every little bit helps.  Maybe more energy on taking care of myself too with things that make me feel better, not worse.  (Example ... making cookies instead of dinner ... oops I did it again.  Dang.)

(6)  A little more on this funk.  I need to get back to basics.  I know what works, but when I'm in a funk, I drop a lot of those things.  Like taking an afternoon walk when I'm down (rain today, but I missed a few perfect days to do it).  Making a daily to-do list helps organize me and makes me feel good.  Haven't even felt like doing that --- I have a weekly list, but that's it.  No list on exercise, Spanish options, etc.  I'm winging it and winging it while in a funk means crappy decisions.  Crappy decision make me feel bad and the cycle continues.  

Today I'm making a few small steps back in that direction.  Little by little.

That's all for this Thursday.  Happy Veterans Day.  Later gators.

Computer Troubles

My computer updated last night and ALL my bookmarks have disappeared.  I googled fixes and NOTHING helps.  Also, I can't add a bookmark so something is up.  Guess I need to chat with the Apple ladies.  I bet that's hours worth of time.

Not a fun thing first thing, although probably (hopefully) not a big deal in the end.

My phone also updated and this turned on Amber alerts -- all wee hours of the morning.  I finally put on glasses and turned off the setting.  Rains it pours technology annoyances.

I had a great time with my aunt yesterday.  Chatted, ate, shopped.  I bought a holiday candle and it smells so good.  It's was worth the price tag for a candle that actually scents a room.  

Grand-dogs are back home and it's just me and my 2 pups.  Cleaning crew this morning -- they switched to Wednesdays.  I still have the early slot which is good and bad.  Start time is consistent and it's over by lunchtime, but that means a rushed morning and rushed mornings bug me -- especially when the rest of the day is nothing.

I don't have anything planned for today, but I need to get something done because my to-do list for the week is actually long.  It'll help if take some pressure off the list with a few prickly things.

That's all from here.  Fingers crossed on my computer woes.  Have a good day.  Later gators.

Pick Up Day

My eldest and DIL get home today so I'll be back to 2 dogs by dinnertime.  Hubby left super early for a trip to Western Canada (eek) so it's just me managing the gang.  This visit has run smoothly though -- no complaints.

Sleeping update.  I'm sleeping SO MUCH better (despite my neck and my monthly and 4 dogs in the bed).  I started taking Ashwagandha which is promoted for stress relief, better sleep, less fogginess, better libido -- basically lot of menopause symptom relief.  This one might be working.  I'll take it for a month (to see the full hormone swing) and then stop to see if sleep issues return.  Experimenting.  Once again, it seems safe to take it with enough studies to confirm its safety.

I'm waking up a lot still, but I'm able to fall back to sleep.  And I've been having very pleasant dreams -- some are Those Kind, but most are just happy dreams.  When I take anything else for sleep, I have vivid bad dreams.

Slowly but surly.  The most important thing is my diet and that's STILL off.  Getting better though.  Dang snacking at night.  I made a problem solving list to see what's up.  Lots of crappy thoughts AND nothing pre-planned for dinner.  The rest of this week I've made a list of what I'm eating for dinner.  This takes out the last minute decisions which have sucked lately -- random things from the refrigerator and pantry.  Not plant focused.  Not nutritionally beneficial.  Last night -- fresh pickles with parm cheese chunks.  Odd combination, but surprisingly good.  I'm not so much over-eating as I'm eating crap.

Lunch with my foster friend yesterday.  I like her, but we need to stop all the foster dog talk (and complaining).  I tried a few times to steer off that conversation, but it keeps coming back around.  We sit for a couple of hours and that's a lot of foster talk.  

Groundhog lunch with my aunt today.  Same time.  Same place.  Good news is it's always a great conversation.

Yesterday I walked the antique market and found a few things.  My newest obsession is using small pitchers for flowers and greens or herbs.  I love using older ones and it's fun to have different styles, shapes, sizes.  I also found a vintage nesting Santa with 3 little ornaments inside -- I'll use it for my little tree in Asheville.  I love the older Santa pitcher too.  Reusing and repurposing feels good.  Funny how some "vintage" is from the 1990s -- I guess I like "antique" more since I was a functioning adult in the 90s lol.

Have a great Tuesday.  Later gators.

Sunday Updates

The dinner was good.  Cooked as expected and the meatballs were super tender -- I had some doubts.  I'll make it again.  Next time I'd brown the cheese a little more (I stopped because the bread was getting burnt.  Maybe a bit more cheese to cover and I'd add a splash of acid at the end.  It could use something to break up the richness.   Easy to make, but lots of steps and expensive ingredients.  This would be nice for entertaining -- you could prepare everything and save the bread cheese part for before serving.  I'd serve with a green salad (high acid dressing) and more bread.

Next up on our Sunday was finding a stand alone freezer.  We need freezer space in Asheville.  It's a small freezer AND the ice maker is permanently broken so a bag of ice takes up a ton of room.  We have electrical limitations in the house, but we think the carriage house can take the electrical pull.  Best Buy had what we're looking for -- 14 cubic feet, converts either refrigerator or freezer, good reviews.  It gets delivered here next week and we'll take it to Asheville in time for Christmas entertaining.

I also wore a new outfit from Stitch Fix.  I haven't had a "fix" in years, but I decided to give it another go.  They now let you preview the order and nix things -- like poker ... throw these cards back and try again.  I still didn't like 2 of the things -- heavy sweater and a business-like blazer.  I kept jeans and 2 blouses.  Here are the jeans and one top.  BTW, I okayed the sweater (it didn't look nice on me though) and asked them to add a blazer and jeans.  

Stitch fix lets you order directly too, but only things they pick for you -- you can't search all things.  My box wasn't super pricey, but the pick items are $$$.  These jeans in the box were $50 and the other jeans they're showing me are $150-250 -- so I think they still want you to order a box.

I decided to try it again because the things I get from Stitch Fix always gets compliments and I rarely do with my other clothes.  I cleaned out my closet and a lot of cheaper things I've bought went to donation, but the Stitch Fix stuff is going strong.  I need some colder weather clothes to fit my "new" look.  I updated my profile and they did a decent job.  Of course, returns couldn't be easier and that's HUGE for me -- I hate returns.

Today is lunch with my foster friend who ditched on Friday.  Funny thing is I'm going to the same restaurant tomorrow with my aunt too.  Oh well.  It's easy and good outdoor seating.  Weather is warm again for a couple of days so outside will feel good.

After lunch, I'm going to take a walk through the antique market.  I haven't been since the pandemic.  I'm looking for some holiday things for Asheville and a few picture frames.  Tomorrow my aunt and I will walk the boutique stores in town.  

That's all from here.  Another week begins -- let's have a good one.  Later gators.

P.S.  My neck is finally improving.  I can tolerate it without Advil now -- man that was a long go just from a little bit of planting.

Happy Anniversary

29 years.

This picture is our wedding and our eldest's wedding.  Not too bad for almost 30 years later.  We're holding on so far (!!)  The friend we saw in NY last month made my wedding dress -- I still love it.

I'm making a Half Baked Harvest recipe today for our anniversary dinner.  Baked French Onion Meatballs. Stay tuned.  Onions, mushrooms, chicken meatballs ... topped with toasted baguette slices with gruyere cheese.  Otherwise, nothing on the celebration front.  I have no interest in going out to dinner this year and we're dog sitting and it's football Sunday and I have my monthly (not in the mood for a hike or such).  Hopefully, a big celebration next year though.

Yesterday's salad was a winner.  Man, I enjoy a loaded salad.

Grand-girls looking girly in the pink office.  

Extra hour of sleep was nice too.  I'm ready for some more light in the morning.  I don't mind dark evenings -- nice and cozy this time of year.

Hope you got to enjoy the extra hour too.  Have a great day.  Later gators.

The Weekend

I'm changing up lunch today -- Cobb Salad.  I know it's fall, but I was in the mood for a salad with lots of fixings.  Had some chicken already made so a quick prep of eggs, cheese and bacon and I'm set for today.  Sadly, the avocados were too green.  Still, it should be good.  Kids brought over leftover potato soup so we can heat that up too.

Turns out they are back on Tuesday, not Wednesday.  That's better :)

First night with the dogs was okay.  June likes to sleep on my feet and that's the one spot that I don't like.  I move her, she moves back.  It's a losing battle for one of us hah!

Nothing else on the calendar today.  

I'm having trouble working the way through my morning routine.  I get it done, but it's blah and doesn't feel great.  I know this is hormones combined with neck pain (biking HURTS), but man oh man I could use a win that feels good.  My monthly came overnight so maybe some relief in the next couple of days.

I feel rushed to get to feeling better so I enjoy the fun stuff on the calendar starting next week.  

Speaking of fun stuff, we're having Christmas in Asheville this year.  This should be a nice change up.  I'll need to plan the meals ahead and switch things up.  I'm looking forward to it being a bit different.  I also need to up the decorating game a little bit -- stockings and such.  Nothing major, but it needs a little more than the tree.

I need to get moving now.  Youngest just texted he's coming early AND bringing a U-Haul truck to get the bed and chairs.  I thought he was just checking them out first.  Best get at it. 

Let's have a great day -- later gators.

4 to 2

Grand-dogs are coming today and we're outnumbered 2-1.  I love having them, but 5 nights, 6 days is LONG.  Everyone gets edgy after about 3 nights and the bed is very crowded.  Hope the kids have a fun trip though.

Talked to my youngest and we're doing a birthday celebration next weekend.  Since hubby is traveling during the week, I won't be able to go to Asheville.  Guess it's going to be 5 weeks before my next visit unless I can muster something in-between.  Birthday celebration will be fun -- sushi and banana pudding.  I can count on him for very specific requests ;)

My foster friend canceled on lunch today ... or should I say, when I texted to set details, she let me know she has a meet and greet for foster dog from another rescue.  No problem at all, but maybe letting me know when you scheduled it would've been nice.  THREE "social" plans this week and all were ghosted or canceled.  Interesting.  Sometimes I think I'm dramatic about how frequently it happens and sometimes I know I'm not.  This particular friend hasn't done this before, so I know it's just an oversight, but given the Asheville issues, it hit a bit harder.  We rescheduled for Monday.  I'm not "angry" but the lack of courtesy from 3 different people this week gets old.

Nothing much on the calendar for today.  After morning stuff, I'm grocery shopping.  Trying a new recipe this weekend for our anniversary -- stay tuned.  Also, our youngest is coming over to check out a mattress we don't need anymore and is staying for lunch.  I'm probably doing sammies and such ... chips, fruit, dessert.

Happy Friday.  Hope this is a start to a fun weekend.  Later gators.

A Smorgasbord of Updates

Easiest to make a list :)

(1)  Hung my grandmother's corner shelf in the secondary bedroom in Asheville.  She had it for years, gave it to my mother (I remember it all my childhood homes) and she gifted it to me.  We don't have many corners big enough to hang it though.  I wish I could have put it downstairs, but this was the best spot.  Looks sparse from the picture, but the room has a lot of character that doesn't photograph well (like the plaster walls).

End table is switched currently so the Christmas tree had a higher table.

I'll probably change up the decor, but this is what I had on hand.

(2)  Christmas shopping has begun.  This is a journal that you write a sentence or two for the day and then the same for each day five years in total.  How interesting to see what you're thinking on a specific day each year.  I think the trick is to not read the previous year before you write the new one.  This takes consistency to work, but not much effort -- got one for me and my bestie.  I'll start January 1.  Since so much goal setting is "where will you be in FIVE YEARS,"  this idea seemed to capture it.  Hopefully, it's interesting and not dumb LOL.  

(3)  Duke got up early yesterday and wanted breakfast before Monti.  I gave them a scoop of food I use as on their frozen lick pads to use it up.  He picked out the veggies.  How do they do it?  Just like his dad. 

(4)  Monti had a raging ear infection.  Poor boy.  Ear infections start off slowly and then grow out-of-control.  He's all fixed up.  Ear cleaned out, medication installed and back to himself almost instantly.

(5)  I have my seasonal flu shot today.  I decided to spread things out.  Got the COVID booster, now seasonal flu and next month I'll start the shingles series.

(6)  I started reading One of Us is Lying (Karen McManus).  I've had it forever and have no memory of how I got the recommendation.  It's book 1 of 2.  I thinks it's YA.  

(7)  I need to start the Jen Hatmaker book selection too.  The Best of Me (David Sedaris).  I don't know a thing about this guy so I haven't been drawn to start it.  It's a compilation of essays about people and experiences in his life.  Stay tuned.

(8)  I'm not feeling better, but for the sake of mice wheel of complaining, I'll leave it at that.  Maybe someday (or year hah).

(9)  I've been thinking about taking a solo trip to Asheville next weekend, but that's up-in-the-air now.  My youngest has a birthday on the 13th and if he's in town to celebrate, I'll nix the trip.  There's also the issue with BEING SCARED (thanks, books) and it doesn't sound appealing in this moment -- i.e. there's nothing I'm jonesing to do solo in Asheville.  We'll see.  A quick couple nights might be nice though.  Maybe I'll let the weather be the deciding factor.  (I thought about inviting someone local to join me, but that feels like work, not fun.)

(10)  Speaking of fun and work ... November has a decent amount of FUN mixed with enough downtime (I think).  Fingers crossed I start feeling better.  I need to focus on keeping that balance too -- easy to overbook the holidays.

(11)  Fall garden is a BUST.  I needed to start the seeds earlier and put the pots in heavier fall sun.  It's a great place in the summer, but there's no enough growing light in the fall.  I tried.  I learned.  See you in the spring, for another installment of my itty bitty garden (and hopefully beautiful tulips!!).

Let's have a good day, pretty please with sugar on the top.  Oh, this reminds me (sugar) that the candy bar is called $100,000 bar -- not 1,000 or 10,000.  Made me laugh that I had the name wrong.  Stay well.  Later gators.

P.S.  I think I'm the only one in ATL that doesn't care the Braves won.  Schools and businesses closing to celebrate tomorrow.  It's lost on me and especially lost on me during a pandemic.